Introduction"Taking Chance" is a 2009 American historical drama film directed by Ross Katz. The movie is based on the experiences of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, an US Marine, as he escorts the body of a fallen Marine, Private First Class Chance Phelps, back to his home town from the Iraq War.
Plot of the Film"Taking Chance" starts with Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl browsing the casualty reports of the Iraq War when he discovers the name of a young marine, Private First Class Chance Phelps, who has actually been killed in action. Strobl, who served in Operation Desert Storm however has not experienced combat in his career, feels a deep sense of regret and volunteers to escort Phelps' remains back to his hometown in Wyoming for burial.
The film tells Strobl's journey throughout America with Phelps' body. It portrays the American public's response to the sight of a military escort bringing home a fallen soldier. Often, the movie catches the spontaneous manifestation of respect, grief, and appreciation that the public expresses upon encountering the transport of the fallen soldier. One such scene is in an airport where tourists stand and applaud as the soldier's casket is brought past.
Throughout the journey, as he fulfills different individuals affected by Phelps' loss, Strobl experiences a quiet and profound transformation. The film creates a deep and moving picture of the regard and honor bestowed upon those who sacrifice for their nation.
Expedition of Themes"Taking Chance" is not a war film but has to do with the deep regard and sacrifice of soldiers who pass away in service of their nation. It is a contemplative and introspective examination of sorrow, loss, and honor through the lens of military routine and public reaction. The motion picture checks out the intricacy of war and its personal implications, bridging the gap in between the military and civilian understanding of the human expense of war.
Main Characters and PerformancesLt. Colonel Michael Strobl is played by Kevin Bacon in a heartfelt and earnest efficiency. Bacon skilfully portrays Strobl's mournful journey from cold procedure to deep personal accessory and mourning for a soldier he had never met. Personal First Class Chance Phelps is represented solely through the impact he had on the people he left.
Concluding Thoughts"Taking Chance" is a sobering, considerate homage to the armed force's custom of honoring its fallen and to the soldiers who make the supreme sacrifice for their country. The film manages to stay non-political, focusing rather on the human experience of loss and respect. It functions as a poignant suggestion of the truths of war and the revered status fallen soldiers keep in American society. Despite the absence of standard action scenes, the movie engages the audience emotionally, making it a deeply moving and extraordinary watching experience.
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